Window fogging is a problem in many older cars. But even new cars may have drops of condensation on the windshield or rear window during rain or snowfall. A car window defogger will help solve the problem. How do anti-fog products work? And how to make such a product on the go, from improvised means?
Sweating of the windows inside the car often occurs during rain. It reduces visibility and poses a traffic hazard. Foggy windows block up to 35% of the light flux and thereby reduce the quality of visibility and the driver’s adequate assessment of the road situation. The cause of sweating is condensation. It collects (scientifically, condenses) on the windshield from the inside. It can also be collected on any other glass - side or rear.
Condensation is small droplets of water that settle on the glass surface. Certain conditions are necessary for them to fall out. This is the so-called “dew point”, a combination of a certain humidity and temperature. For example, with an air humidity of 62%, condensation will form at a temperature of +12 °C. But at a humidity of 95%, condensation will appear already at +20 °C. Thus, condensation is guaranteed if there is high humidity in the cabin.
Note and for comparison: the usual humidity of the air that people breathe indoors is 50 - 60%. Doctors recommend maintaining humidity in children's rooms at 60 - 70%.
The process of condensation formation can be controlled by temperature and humidity. In this case, the temperature is important not in the cabin, but on the inner surface of the glass. And also air humidity. What do these factors depend on, and how can their values be influenced?
Determined by the outside air temperature. In winter and autumn it is quite low, so the glass is heated to prevent condensation. Cold glass will almost always be the site of condensation. The glass is heated with warm or hot air from the ventilation slots - this is the same with windshields. Or by transferring heat from heated wires - this is how rear windows are heated.
Condensation does not form on heated glass. If it has already formed, then when the glass is heated, the water droplets dry out within a few minutes. Therefore, in humid weather, the blowing and heating of the windows is turned on immediately, even before leaving the garage, in order to prevent them from fogging up.
The humidity of the air inside the car is the second factor that determines the fogging of the windows. When landing in the cabin, the humidity corresponds to the outdoor space. Afterwards, it may decrease if the hood works well enough.
When you get into your car during a rainstorm, you bring with you 90 percent humidity and condensation on the windows. Therefore, during rain, without waiting for moisture to appear, it is necessary to turn on enhanced exhaust ventilation of the cabin. The amount of moisture in the cabin air will be constantly replenished if 4 - 5 people travel in the car. In 1 minute, a person exhales 1 gram of water, which also remains in the cabin and can condense on the inner surface of the glass. An exhaust fan should also be running to remove moisture from passengers' breath.
A very useful and relevant article from our specialist explains how it works.
You can find out detailed information about whether you can enable it from the article by our author.
To remove condensation, it is necessary that the air circulation is turned on “from the machine”. And one more thing: for high-quality ventilation, the cabin filter and evaporator must be clean.
In order to prevent condensation, it is necessary to turn on hot air blowing on the glass and increased exhaust ventilation of the car interior.
You can also turn on the air conditioner - it will remove moisture and condensation in a few minutes. If the car is just leaving the garage, it will take time to warm up the engine. And only after this it will be possible to heat the glass with hot air. An exception to this rule would be the option of a separately operating stove. In this case, glass heating can be turned on from the start.
Moisture in the cabin: what to do?
If there is chronic humidity inside the car, it is worth checking the condition of the underbody and raising the rugs. If it is humid under them, the tendency to fog will be increased. What should I do?
- Dry the upholstery under the rugs.
- Place a porous absorbent substance under the driver or passenger seats. Cat litter is often used. Salt also works. It absorbs not only moisture, but also unpleasant odors.
- Check the condition of the seals and, if necessary, change them so that rainwater does not enter the car interior.
- Check the serviceability of the engine cooling system - it can also be a source of moisture for the interior space.
Be sure to read the article about which car to buy or how to make it yourself.
Find out what benefits it gives the driver and how to install this function correctly in our article.
Read more detailed information about it, its features and selection rules in our expert’s material.
To be fair, it is worth noting that on many modern cars the windows do not sweat. Their hood and glass blowing work quite well. Therefore, there are no conditions for condensation to form on the glass. The issue of fogging is more relevant to cars of the domestic auto industry with insufficient ventilation and clogged filters, with a faulty heating system on the rear window. Thus, the question of an anti-fog arises.
Means for treating foggy glass
To solve the problem of fogging, the automotive industry produces various glass treatment products. They are called anti-fog and anti-rain. They come in the form of aerosols or liquids and are sold in auto chemical stores at an average, affordable price.
Almost any car window defogger is alcohol-based. This is a fairly reliable product that reduces the amount of condensation on the glass and improves visibility during rain. However, there are situations when there is no ready-made anti-fog agent, but you need to go. It’s raining outside, 5 people are sitting in a car, and condensation is constantly forming on the windows. What home remedies can replace auto chemicals?
DIY anti-fog
To solve the problem at home, you can use improvised means that are easy to buy at a hardware store or those that you usually have at home. Their action is as follows - scientifically speaking, they should reduce the surface tension of the liquid. In this case, condensation on the windshield or other glass will not be retained. Drops will roll down without reducing visibility.
How can you reduce the surface tension of water, and which of these substances can be used in the car interior? How to make a homemade glass defogger with your own hands?
More details about how it is carried out correctly, which is important for the owner to take into account, can be found in the material from our author.
You can learn about why it is needed, how it protects glass from insects and how it is installed in the article by our specialist.
A detailed article from our author will tell you how to repair a car.
Soap
The simplest remedy for foggy windows. The soap contains glycerin and surfactants. They allow you to reduce the surface tension of water molecules and thereby remove condensation from the surface of the glass.
Surfactants or surfactants are found in many detergents and washing powders. Therefore, you can use not only soap, but also other detergents. Unless they contain chlorine, phosphates, formaldehydes.
To prevent condensation from forming, soap is rubbed on the inside of the glass. You can draw a grid or stripes and then rub them on the glass with a rag. Heat is necessary for good rubbing. Therefore, if you “wash” the windows in the cold, do it after driving the car in a warm interior.
Mix glycerin and alcohol, then wipe the glass with the resulting mixture - the easiest option is to make a car window defogger with your own hands. Glycerin contained in soap reduces the surface tension of water droplets. However, its separate use leads to the formation of a greasy film on the surface of the glass. Fine dust and debris stick to this film. To prevent the formation of a film, glycerin is diluted with alcohol. At the same time, alcohol itself is also a means that reduces surface tension. When combined with glycerin, it loses its pungent odor and becomes an ingredient.
The ability of glycerin to absorb alcohol odor is used in the production of moonshine. Glycerin is added to home distillate and passed off as a factory product.
Mixing ratio: 1 to 10, where 1 part glycerin and 10 parts alcohol.
Pure glycerin, without mixing with alcohol, creates a greasy film on the surface of the glass. It produces glare at night, under lamplight or from headlights. Therefore, pure glycerin is not suitable as an anti-fog agent.
By itself, ammonia reduces surface tension and prevents condensation. But its effect on the human body can hardly be called healing or positive. Ammonia is used for fainting. It speeds up breathing and increases blood pressure. In addition, it irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, causing lacrimation, coughing, and headaches. Even in small concentrations, ammonia can cause breathing problems.
After treating the glass with ammonia, it is necessary to ventilate the car well.
It is better not to wipe car windows with pure ammonia, but to use a mixture of ammonia and glycerin to wash them. The components are taken in the following ratio:
- 0.5 glasses of water;
- 1 glass of glycerin;
- 5 drops of ammonia.
The resulting solution is used to wipe car windows inside and out. This solves several questions at once:
- get rid of condensation;
- the outer surface will become less dirty;
- raindrops will quickly roll down;
- ice – freezes less, appears at lower temperatures.
Shaving gel
Another handy car window defogger that contains surfactants is shaving gel or foam. The glass inside the car is rubbed with gel. To do this, squeeze it onto a paper napkin and rub the glass until clean. The amount of gel is a few drops. Grind until transparent.
WD – handy auto chemicals
If an anti-fog agent is a special substance that needs to be bought at a car store, then WD is a rust remover liquid, which is often stored in a car enthusiast’s garage and is used for various purposes. You can also treat glass with WD solvent to prevent it from sweating.
Auto chemicals: how to use correctly
Store-bought anti-foggers are auto chemical items. Almost all of them are made on the basis of technical alcohol, to which chemical components are added - flavorings, thickeners, preservatives. For the auto chemicals to work effectively, the following rules must be observed.
- The anti-fog agent should be sprayed or applied to clean, washed and dried glass. Definitely dry.
- Can be applied in two or more layers, several times. This will increase the operating time of the product.
- Renew the substance in a timely manner, apply the solution or aerosol anew every 2 weeks.
What else should I treat with anti-fog?
Anti-sweating glass products will be very useful on other surfaces of the car. What else should be treated with an autochemical solution?
- Surface of exterior mirrors. Anti-fog treatment will be similar to anti-rain treatment. During rain or fog, drops will not accumulate on the mirror.
- The outer surface of the glass. This is true for rainy climates or during the season of frequent rainfall. And also for side windows that are not equipped with wipers. During heavy rain, water droplets will quickly roll off the frontal surface. The glass will be clean and visibility will be high.
What else should I add? Any means that improve the driver's visibility increases the safety of driving a car.
(7
ratings, average: 5,00
out of 5)
With the onset of cold weather, many drivers share the same problem: the windshield of the car fogs up, not only in rain or snow, but also in dry weather. This phenomenon is especially dangerous in winter, when an ice crust begins to form on the glass almost immediately, so it is advisable to eliminate the causes before the onset of cold weather.
Why does the windshield fog up?
Before you can overcome fogging of car windows, you will have to figure out why this phenomenon occurs. As a matter of fact, the only reason for fogging is increased humidity in the car interior. All that remains is to find out where it comes from.
- Firstly, moisture is contained in the air exhaled by everyone in the cabin. By the way, the well-known pun “windows sweat from the inside - drink less” has a real basis, because alcohol vapors (due to their hygroscopicity) collect a lot of moisture around themselves, which is why car windows fog up even more intensely. It is worth noting that the less people talk in the cabin, the less moist air they exhale, and the slower the moisture settles on the glass.
- The second reason for increased humidity in the car interior is wet clothes, mats, seats, so the problem gets worse in the rain. The moisture gradually evaporates and immediately condenses on the windows. Many car owners are perplexed: why the heater is on, the fan is running, and the windows are “tightened” even more. The reason is very simple: the hotter and more intense the airflow, the faster the moisture evaporates.
- The third reason leading to the problem is worn-out door and glass seals, through which water enters the interior. It’s quite easy to determine when it’s time to pay attention to sealing: if the floor upholstery and rear parcel shelf constantly get wet when it rains, it means the seals are not doing their job. In addition, their appearance can also tell a lot: as they wear out, cracks and tears begin to appear in them.
- Another reason for the windows fogging up from inside the car (although quite rare, but still found in cars with climate control systems) is a clogged air conditioner drain hole. Instead of leaking out, the condensate remains inside the system, and the passing air is excessively humidified. In this case, to cope with the fogging problem, it is enough to clean the drain hole.
- In addition, the problem may lie in jammed air duct dampers, which causes air flows to be improperly redistributed. To repair them, you will have to disassemble the dashboard. The procedure is, of course, troublesome, but necessary.
How to deal with glass fogging
The most reliable way to prevent glass fogging is heating. If the rear window fogs up, everything is simple: just turn on the heating and all the condensation will evaporate. Many modern cars also have an electrically heated windshield. As for the rest, the main thing is to prevent moisture from settling. Air flows need to be redistributed so that as much air as possible hits the windows. 
Modern cars have an intensive windshield blowing function, thanks to which even completely fogged glass can quickly be made transparent. Often, enough air gets onto the side windows, clearing them.
It is important to note one circumstance: the air for blowing should not be taken from inside the cabin, where it is humid, but from the street. Often the cause of foggy car windows is a clogged cabin air filter. Its permeability deteriorates, and some of the air is captured from the passenger compartment, so you need to monitor its condition and change it in a timely manner. In addition, you can purchase a carbon filter instead of the usual one. It dries the air passing through it, and the windows, not only the windshield, but also others, fog up less.
On a car equipped with air conditioning, you can turn it on in parallel with the stove, if possible. The air passing through the air conditioner becomes less humid. On a car with climate control, this function usually works automatically.
It has long been noted that the less often the driver washes the windows, the more condensation settles on them. Therefore, it is necessary to wipe them regularly. In addition, clean windows prevent glare at night when the car is illuminated by oncoming cars, thus making driving safer.
As for the rubber mats, it is necessary to regularly shake off snow, ice and water from the rubber ones, while the textile ones need to be dried periodically, especially if the car was driven in the rain. Many car owners put newspapers under their feet in winter. This also makes sense, because paper absorbs water well. You just need to constantly change them, because otherwise, it is the newspapers that become the source of increased air humidity in the car. 
Using glass defoggers
There are various aerosols that prevent moisture condensation on glass, but you should choose an anti-fog agent carefully. Some compounds, when sprayed, form a greasy film on the glass, which glares strongly in the headlights. High-quality products are quite expensive, but when used correctly, they are completely invisible and do not require subsequent removal. It should be remembered that any remedy for glass fogging is an extra “chemical” that will be constantly present in the cabin, and even a high-quality composition must be used with caution.
It is better not to use the old-fashioned method of rubbing the windshield of a car with salt wrapped in a cloth, thereby eliminating the possibility of fogging, since salt water flowing from the glass will become a source of corrosion, and where the window is blown by the stove, white salt stains will appear through which you can see what -or very problematic.
- good visibility. This is especially true in the off-season and winter, when precipitation and darkness create natural problems for the perception of the situation on the road. And at the same time, motorists most often encounter the problem of glass fogging.
The main reason for window fogging is. In a warmer interior, moisture condenses on the cold windows. Therefore, you can fight fogging by warming the windows and drying the air - often this happens simultaneously.
Here we give some simple tips on how to keep your windows clear.
Correctly set up climate systems
At the first signs of fogging, you need to select the window blowing mode, direct the air flow from the deflectors to the glass and slightly increase the temperature. If your car has air conditioning, it should dry the air in a few minutes. You just need to be sure that the internal circulation mode is turned off. If the climate system does not cope well with heating and drying the air, you need to check the cabin filter - it could have absorbed too much moisture, and in wet weather it does not have time to dry, or it is simply time to replace it.
Treat glass with special products
There are a lot of different anti-fog agents on the market - liquids, aerosols, wipes. This car cosmetics has the same principle - the properties of surface tension change. The solutions create a thin film from which the smallest particles of water roll off, forming drops that do not interfere with the view, or, conversely, the water remains on the glass, but lies in a transparent layer. Apply the product to clean and dry surfaces and repeat the procedure as necessary. You just need to find a drug that suits you in terms of application method, smell and results.
Treat glass using traditional methods
The problem of fogging arose quite a long time ago, so drivers had time to find several options for window treatment using improvised means. One of the most popular is applying a solution of 1 part glycerin and 10 parts alcohol. If you use only glycerin, the glass will become greasy and at night there will be strong reflections in the stains, impairing visibility. Some people advise wiping windows with newspapers - printing ink contains substances that create the same film as when using auto chemicals. Another tip is to rub the windows with tobacco from regular cigarettes.
Anti-fog films
A radical and durable solution is to cover the glass with a special film, similar to that used for optics, motorcycle helmets or commercial equipment. It is applied in the same way as a tinting film - and it is better to trust professionals in this matter.
Remove excess moisture from the interior
Often in winter and in damp weather, water or snow gets inside the car. When the interior begins to warm up, the liquid evaporates and settles on the cold glass. To reduce this effect, excess moisture should be removed. Sometimes you need to remove puddles or ice from the mats, and if there is already a lot of water, put newspapers under your feet and throw them away when they are soaked. If the interior becomes wet even with light rain, you need to check its tightness - a loose seal can be a source of not only increased humidity, but also premature corrosion. There is no need to store rags that were used to wipe wet surfaces in the cabin - put them in the trunk or under the hood. Salt in a paper bag that can be placed in the back seat reduces humidity. The effect will be better if the packaging has been dried in a warm place before.
Don't chat
The source of moisture is very often the people inside. The air they exhale is much warmer than the surrounding air and is saturated with moisture, so when traveling in a large and noisy group, the driver needs to reconfigure the climate in the cabin every now and then. If the technology cannot cope, then you can ask the passengers to simply remain silent for a while, for their own safety.
Check the interior ventilation
A rare case, but sometimes it happens. After a car has been damaged at the rear, special ventilation valves can be sealed. In this case, the air circulation calculated by the engineers does not occur. Another variant of the same problem is an excessive amount of things in the cabin and trunk. The solution is to check the capacity of the air ducts by first studying their location according to the instructions. The same problem can be attributed to clogged drain holes in air conditioning systems. Standing water simply blows into the interior, and the situation can be corrected by simple cleaning.
If the car windows sweat for no objective reason, this may indicate a malfunction in the engine cooling system. Vapors formed from overheating enter the cabin through the ventilation system. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals.
One of the most common causes of foggy windows is passengers on the eve of travel. Exhaled vapors of alcohol, due to its hygroscopicity, additionally absorb moisture from the body, and it settles on the windows. This explains the increased interest of traffic police officers in such cars. You can combat this kind of fogging using the usual methods, but it is better to recommend that passengers do not overuse it before the trip.
As soon as the outside temperature gets low enough, one of the most widespread problems facing motorists around the world begins. We are talking about fogging of windows, which occurs regardless of the make of the car and its price.
The main danger of this phenomenon is that we get limited visibility in front of the car, which is unacceptable for safe driving, and also causes a lot of discomfort in the form of constant stops to wipe the windows.
The reason for this is the appearance of moisture in the cabin, which evaporates and settles on the coldest parts, namely the windows. But here it is worth taking a closer look at the question of why the windows sweat in the car.
A foggy windshield can be dangerous
... and the back too
Causes of glass fogging
As we know, fogging is the appearance of water condensation on the surface of the glass. This moisture most often gets inside the cabin along with a person’s breath. This means that the more people are in the car, the greater the chance that the windows will fog up. As you can see, . In addition, in wet weather we bring moisture with us on our shoes or clothes. All this liquid is absorbed into the seats and rugs, after which it gradually evaporates.
Also, the windows in the car sweat because the stove that heats the interior of the car is not working well enough. The fact is that the air that is pumped into the cabin is taken from the top of the hood, where special holes are located. Therefore, rain, snow, or simply moisture in the air can get there. This is especially true on cold winter or autumn days.
Prevention of glass fogging
But, if everything is clear about the reasons for the appearance of this effect, then this means that we need to figure out how to get rid of glass fogging. You need to regularly care for your car, in particular its interior, which will significantly reduce the adverse effect of moisture in the air.
The first point will be keeping the salon clean. This is very important when you are wondering why your windshield is sweating from the inside, especially in seasons other than summer. The essence of such actions is to regularly ventilate the interior, especially during the short hours of autumn heat. Also, you need to wash the rugs and dry them thoroughly.
Naturally, this will be very difficult to do with fabric rugs, since they have the ability to absorb moisture.
So, it would be appropriate to replace them with new rubber mats. Their special structure involves retaining liquid in small cells, from which, however, water will be very easy to pour out.
The mats must be rubber (in the picture there are Lifan X60 mats)
Try not to enter the car with shoes that are too wet. Simply shaking your boots can remove more than half the moisture from their surface.
For the winter period, the recommendations will be slightly different. So, you need to remove snow from the hood of your car to prevent it from melting and getting into the cabin through the car heater. Don’t forget to regularly ventilate the interior using air circulation inside. As for the glasses themselves, they must be cleared of ice on the surface.
The windshield wiper must contain alcohol to prevent moisture from freezing on the glass during operation.
It wouldn’t hurt to start ventilating and warming up the interior every time you start the car. Air should flow onto the car windows, but it should not be too hot. Raising the temperature must be done smoothly. The proper operation of the stove, air conditioner and air filter will help us with this.
The filter must be in good condition
Fighting glass fogging
Air conditioner. As we have already said, you can remove moisture using air conditioning. The fact is that it is able to dry the air and maintain its temperature at a given level. The best option would be to turn on the stove and air conditioner together.
We collect collective farms little by little - we make additional holes
But, you can resort to more radical methods in the fight against foggy windows. To do this, it is necessary to improve the ventilation system, which is “lame” in almost all cars. If we consider these actions using the example of Chinese Lifan cars, popular in our country, then it will be even easier to do this, since in them access to the necessary parts is not blocked by anything.
Holes must be cut carefully
First, you need to cut small holes in the side trim of the luggage compartment. These holes will need to be closed using special plastic grilles. This will significantly increase air flow, making the ventilation in the cabin as efficient as possible. It is only important to remember that such actions are appropriate only when the car’s warranty has already expired.
Special chemicals
For a “softer” fight, it will be possible to use special chemicals. We are talking about purchasing anti-foggers that will prevent moisture from settling on the windows, which means maximum visibility will be ensured.
Such substances can be sold in three main forms.
The most affordable and popular options will be in the form of liquid and aerosol.
They settle on the surface of the glass in an even film and do not allow moisture to accumulate there. More expensive, but also effective and long-lasting, will be the option using anti-foggers in the format of a special mastic. One use of such a product is usually enough for several days of driving in wet weather.
It is only important to remember that these products need to be applied only when the glass is completely dry, so these substances can be classified as preventative. As a result, the problem with the windows sweating in the car will be eliminated.
However, problem prevention is not a popular practice in our country. Instead, people are accustomed to struggling with problems that have already arisen. So, alcohol-containing substances called “Anti-ice” and so on are in stable demand in automobile markets and in stores.
They allow you to remove moisture even when the glass is not completely dry. In addition, the operating ambient temperatures for such substances reach -25 degrees Celsius, and the effect of such a liquid can last up to three days. After this, the glass will remain dry, which will provide excellent visibility and peace of mind, so that you are no longer afraid of the windows sweating in the car.
November 1, 2018
When the windows in a car fog up from the inside, visibility and visibility are greatly impaired. The driver loses the ability to control the situation on the road, experiences anxiety, inconvenience and discomfort. Operating cars with windows covered in sweat is a common cause of accidents, including fatalities. Let's consider the reasons for this phenomenon, what to do when it occurs and preventive measures.
Reasons why car windows sweat
When the windows become covered with moisture, the driver is forced to take time away from driving the vehicle and periodically wipe the glass with napkins or rags.
Car windows sweat from the inside for the following reasons:
- The difference in the temperature of the environment and the interior space of the cabin. Similar phenomena occur in the cold season or early in the morning, when the air has not yet warmed up. Moisture from the air settles on surfaces in the form of condensation.
- Precipitation. During snowfall and rain, the humidity level inside the car increases. Dampness penetrates into the cabin through open doors, windows, and on the clothes and shoes of the driver and passengers. The fumes come from umbrellas and wet rugs.
- Radiator malfunction. When coolant leaks, a large amount of steam is generated. At the same time, the windshield fogs up, on which oily inclusions appear. It is necessary to stop and check the condition of the cooling system.
- The filter, which is part of the interior air conditioning equipment, is dirty. It may be clogged with dust or oil fumes.
- Consequences of washing a car at a car service center. The interior may not have been properly dried after cleaning.
- Incorrectly configured climate control system or its breakdown. In such cases, the space in the cabin ceases to be dried, and damp air is pumped in.
- Passengers who have consumed large amounts of alcoholic beverages. During breathing, alcohol vapors are released and settle on the windows. Alcohol absorbs water molecules, resulting in condensation.
How to remove fogged windows in a car?
There are various methods to combat fogging of car windows.
There are general rules for eliminating condensation:
- Adjusting the air conditioning system. It is necessary to ensure that the windows are constantly blown with warm air.
- Installation of several high-quality moisture absorbers in the cabin. Sorbents effectively absorb water from the space, drying it to the required condition.
- Treatment of glass with special agents that have hydrophobic properties. Even water molecules do not linger on them. Such products are produced in the form of aerosols, liquids and impregnated wipes.
- Opening windows a few millimeters. The resulting air circulation ensures the evaporation of condensation from all surfaces.
- Ventilation (air ventilation) and preventive drying of the interior. This helps to dry the upholstery of chairs, rugs and remove liquid accumulated in the niches.
- Regular vehicle maintenance. Timely replacement of filters, sensors and valves will prevent excess moisture.
In the rain
When it rains, water penetrates into the interior of the car, which, when heated, turns into steam, settling on windows, metal and plastic in the form of tiny drops.
You can get rid of glass fogging in inclement weather in the following ways:
- After starting to drive, open the windows on both sides of the car. The resulting turbulence will ensure condensation is blown off the panels.
- After finishing the trip, park the car in a heated garage. If possible, leave windows and doors open to dry out the cabin.
- Before planting, shake off snow and water from clothes and shoes, pack wet umbrellas in plastic bags or covers.
- Before the onset of the wet season, warm up the interior with a hairdryer to remove moisture from the upholstery. When damp air penetrates, the fabric plays the role of a sorbent.
During the winter season
During the cold season, the formation of condensation complicates the already difficult road situation. In addition, there is a risk of sweat freezing and ice crusts forming on the windows.
What you can do:
- Set the maximum heating temperature by directing the air flow to the front panel. Heat in the cab can be eliminated by opening the side windows.
- Use special preparations against condensation formation. Modern anti-fogging solutions for car windows allow you to get rid of this phenomenon without excessive heating of the interior.
- Install electrically heated panels. This will require additional costs, but they are offset by the comfort and safety of travel.
Anti-fog films
A good result in the fight against condensation is obtained by covering windows with a special film. The basis of the material is polycarbonate - a polymer with high strength, abrasion resistance and hydrophobic properties. The reverse side has microscopic notches and is smeared with transparent glue. The outer layer repels water molecules, which roll down until a visible layer of perspiration forms.
The gluing process is not particularly difficult. You need to do the following:
- cut a workpiece slightly larger in size than the panel being processed;
- thoroughly wash and degrease the glass, wipe it dry;
- Remove the protective coating from the film, apply it to the panel, and remove air bubbles with a spatula.
There are folk remedies that have been proven over the years and can quickly and effectively remove condensation from the windshield. Some of them are part of a driver's camping equipment and are sold at any general store.
The problem of window fogging can be solved in the following ways:
- Table salt. The panels are rubbed with a saline solution and placed dry in fabric bags on the dashboard.
- Lemon. You need to take half a lemon and rub it on your windshields and side windows. A pleasant aroma will only improve the comfort inside the cabin.
- Toilet or laundry soap. In the solid state, arbitrary patterns and lines are applied to the surface. Then, using a slightly damp cloth, rub the soap evenly over the entire area.
- Shaving cream. It works similarly to soap, but is applied faster and easier.
- A mixture of alcohol and glycerin. The mixture is made in a ratio of 1:20. Apply to surfaces with a cloth, cotton pads or using a spray bottle.
Before using any products, surfaces must be cleaned of moisture and dirt. This should be done with crumpled newspapers, a clean cloth or sponge.
Prevention of glass fogging
To avoid condensation, you should follow a few simple rules:
- Before boarding the cabin in conditions of heavy rainfall, place pieces of cellophane, old linoleum or unnecessary rags on top of the mats. They will collect water from the shoes, which can then be easily removed from the interior.
- Before a long trip, pre-rub the glass with mastic, glycerin or another long-acting product. Always have a supply of anti-icing and de-icing agents on your windows.
- Periodically dry upholstery and rugs. Dry things can act as a sorbent for a long time.
These methods will reduce the humidity in the cabin and reduce the likelihood of windows fogging in any weather conditions.
